I like to take pictures of my food when I go out to eat, and I like to write reviews on my experiences. I enjoy my burgers well done, but still want them to be juicy and delicious. Burgers are not all that I eat, and I'm going to blog about whatever it is that I decide to order. I like trying new restaurants, as well as introducing friends to my favorite places. I think that good service goes a long way.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Nile Ethiopian Cuisine

I have had three experiences with Ethiopian Food in my life.
The first was in New York City about ten years ago with a group of about six
people. I didn’t know what to expect and although I thought it was an
interesting experience all I remember is sitting on the floor and eating this food
that was way too hot for me (so hot in fact that I really couldn’t enjoy any of
it, and there was not enough water in the world to cool me down).

The second time was at Nile over three years ago at their
old location (the new location is next door in a much larger space, and the old
location is now a Hookah Bar). That experience was a little more
heat-tolerable, but some of the dishes were more enjoyable to me then others,
and some of the meat dishes were strange to me and still a little on the hot
side.

Now fast forward to 2013 for my return to Nile, where I
truly fell in love with Ethiopian Cuisine!

First off I was really impressed with the look and décor of
this new location.

It sits off of International Drive just behind Buffalo Wild Wings, not
visible from the road so you definitely have to look for it.

Nile opens at 5pm during the week and we were the first ones
to arrive.

I had previously looked at the menu and knew that we were
going to order the Taste of Nile Vegetarian Special for Two. (Portions of
Cabbage, Red Lentil, Split Peas, Collard Greens, Shiro, Azifa and Tomato Fitfit
$29.95)

Now as you look at this picture please note that the dish is
probably 18-20 inches across, so it is actually quite large and holds a lot of
food.

So for those of you who still haven’t experienced Ethiopian
food it goes a little something like this. It is generally a large plate with
one or several types of food which could be compared to a Stew or Curry. There
are no utensils, but you are served Injera (a yeast-risen flatbread with a
unique, spongy texture), which you tear into pieces to pick up and eat your
food with.

The whole process can be a
little weird at first, but once you get use to it you might be surprised how
much you enjoy it.

On our platter were ten different vegetarian dishes, and I can
honestly say that I loved eight of them (the other two were flavored with
Mustard Seed and that is not one of my favorites), however that is the nice
thing about getting these platters, you get to try several different things. I
especially liked the flavors of the Green Bean dish and a couple of the Lentil
dishes, perfectly seasoned with really nice spice combinations (plus I just
think eating in this bohemian manner is kind of fun).

As you can see from the last photo we didn’t have any
trouble finishing our food.

If you are looking to try something a little “out of the
norm” Nile will make a unique and satisfying experience. The staff is great and
the food is something you will not forget (and very affordable), so step out of
your comfort zone for an evening and give them a try.